Postdoctoral position to study annelid stem cells and regeneration at the Institut Jacques Monod in Paris

Regeneration, the ability to restore lost parts of the body, is a widespread phenomenon in animals. Whilst this ability is somehow limited in classical developmental model organisms, a variety of animals are able to regenerate complex structures, such as limbs or important parts of their body. Regeneration is often based on the presence of populations of stem cells which are either pluripotent and able to regenerate all tissues, or multipotent with a much more restricted potential. Regeneration can also rely on local cell dedifferentiation processes by which differentiated cells are reprogramed into proliferating progenitor or stem cells.

In the our team (Stem Cells, Development and Evolution team), we use the emerging developmental biology annelid model Platynereis dumerilii to investigate the evolution of stem cells and regeneration. Platynereis worms are able to grow and regenerate their posterior (caudal) part following posterior amputation during most of their life. These two abilities end when the worms become sexually mature and are dependent on the presence of a brain hormone (methylfarnesoate) that blocks sexual maturation. In the frame of a collaborative ANR-FWF funded project with the team of Florian Raible (Origin and Diversification of Hormone Systems, MFPL Vienna, Austria), the postdoctoral fellow will study, using cellular and molecular approaches, how the brain hormone controls the growth and regeneration abilities of Platynereis worms, and participate to the molecular and cellular characterization of the regeneration process.

The Vervoort team belongs to the Institut Jacques Monod (IJM) in Paris (France). The IJM is a leading French biological research institute, comprising about 30 interactive research groups and high-quality technological facilities, including a cutting-edge imaging platform. The working language at the IJM is English, and knowledge of French is therefore not a prerequisite for this position. Successful candidates will collaborate with a dynamic team of developmental, cellular and evolutionary biologists at both the IJM and MFPL.

Starting date is flexible but should be around September 2017 onwards and is funded initially for 14 months. The successful applicant must have, or be in the process of completing, a PhD thesis in a relevant research area and not more than two years of postdoctoral experience. Desirable qualifications include expertise in molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and DNA sequence analysis. Potential candidates should send their application by e-mail to michel.vervoort@ijm.fr with a statement of interests and expertise, a Curriculum Vitae and contact information from two referees. The position will remain open until filled; however, applications received by May 30^th will be given priority. Please contact Michel Vervoort for more information.

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